France earn bronze with win over Netherlands

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• France defeat the Netherlands 3-1 in Brazil 2019's third-place match
• Arnaud Kalimuendo-Muinga nets a hat-trick
• Les Bleuets capture second U-17 World Cup medal

Arnaud Kalimuendo-Muinga's hat-trick sparked a 3-1 victory for France over the Netherlands on Sunday in the third-place match at the FIFA U-17 World Cup Brazil 2019™. Though they conceded the opening goal 15 minutes in, Les Bleuets rallied to down the Dutch on the back of their No7, who scored once in the first half and twice in the second. This Brazil 2019 bronze is the second medal the French have earned at the U-17 world finals; they won the whole tournament back in 2001.

France

Reminiscent of the European championships, again France bested the Netherlands. Back in May the Dutch became continental kings but fell to the French in the group stage. On Sunday, Kalimuendo-Muinga equalised seven minutes after the early Oranje goal, putting away Melih Altikulac's cross from the left. At 54 minutes the Paris Saint-Germain youngster was at it again, picked out by Waniss Taibi after rushing into the box on a counter attack. He completed his hat-trick with quick thinking, producing a diving header after Adil Aouchiche's initial shot attempt was saved by Calvin Raatsie.

Netherlands

The match started brightly for the Dutch thanks to captain Kenneth Taylor and No10 Mohamed Taabouni. Taylor played a perfectly-weighed pass over the top in the 15th minute to Taabouni behind the France defence. Taabouni did the rest, waiting for goalkeeper Darren Lima Semedo to slide before chipping the ball into the net. Shortly after taking the lead, the Netherlands struggled to contain France's resurgent attack. Their best chance to get back into the tie came from leading goalscorer Sontje Hansen in the 61st minute, but Semedo made a fine reaction save of the Ajax youth player's first-time shot in the box.

Netherlands U-17 and France U-17 make their way out for the national anthems

Arnaud Kalimuendo-Muinga of France U-17 celebrates after scoring

Ian Maatsen of Netherlands U-17 looks to break past Adil Aouchiche of France U-17

Kenneth Taylor of Netherlands U-17 looks to tackle Nathanael Mbuku of France U-17

Chrislain Matsima of France U-17 tackles Sontje Hansen of Netherlands U-17

Mohamed Taabouni of Netherlands U-17 scores his sides first goal

Mohamed Taabouni of Netherlands U-17 celebrates a scored goal

Netherlands v France - FIFA U-17 World Cup Brazil 2019 - Arnaud Kalimuendo-Muinga of France scores his sides third goal

Calvin Raatsie of Netherlands U-17 challenges for the high ball with Arnaud Kalimuendo-Muinga of France U-17

Netherlands v France - FIFA U-17 World Cup Brazil 2019 - Arnaud Kalimuendo-Muinga of France celebrates after scoring his sides second goal

from FIFA.com https://ift.tt/37acZa5